Tuesday Morning Update | Ole Miss Sports

Good read on the Sun Belt Conference here, the league the produced Hugh Freeze, as the article states has been considered the least of the least as football leagues go. There’s a spring in the step for the SBC under a new commissioner. The league, at least those speaking here, believe the SBC will be just fine with refocused goals when the dust settles on the college football landscape. …

From Columbia, Mo., (you have to specify which Columbia now), Mizzou coach Gary Pinkel confirms that his best running back will not be back from a major injury this season and has good things to say about the senior who will take his place. The Tigers open up with Southeastern Louisiana. …

Speaking of Southeastern Louisiana, former Ole Miss quarterback Nathan Stanley has survived in a QB competition against the guy he played behind last year. He will start for the Lions on opening day, because he had a good camp and protected the ball better. Stanley threw six interceptions to two touchdowns last year. Southeastern is coached by Ron Roberts, who led Delta State to GSC championships in four of the last five years. Stanley lost out at Ole Miss after Jeremiah Masoli transferred in and was not productive in a four-way spring competition that followed for the 2011 season. ..

From Fayetteville, Knile Davis, one of the top backs in the SEC in 2010, has been declared fit and ready for the Razorbacks’ opener this week against Jacksonville State. Davis sustained a broken ankle in camp in 2011 and missed the season. Also from Arkansas, the circumstances leading to John L. Smith’s role as interim head coach are bizarre, but Smith is happy to be where he is. …

The SEC kicks things off with an “appointment television” matchup Thursday night between South Carolina and Vanderbilt in Nashville. It’s a great opportunity for Vandy’s James Franklin to take a big step after telling us about all the buzz around Vandy football. Some are calling this Vandy’s Super Bowl. …